Smell-O-Vision

Smell-O-Vision was a system that released specific odors during the projection of a film. This enabled viewers to smell what they saw in the film. The technique made its only appearance in the 1960 film Scent of Mystery. In homage to Smell-O-Vision, director John Waters released an enhanced “Odorama” version of his film, Polyester in 1982.

In the original theatrical screenings, the scents were arranged by number on a scratch and sniff card. The audience was instructed to scratch the card when the corresponding numbers flashed on the screen. The smells were a surprise. Viewers might expect to smell flowers based on what they saw, but at the last minute, smelly sneakers were placed in the scene.

I remember seeing this film and getting an Odorama card. It was funny at the time and is funny now. Like many others I wish I had held onto that card. They make a nice profit on eBay.

While the scratch and sniff approach worked and solved the problems inherent in Smell-O-Vision, it did not take off. The technique, however, has been used in four other films. Disney has used the technique in their 3-D films and other attractions.

April Fools
In 1965, BBC TV played an April Fools Day joke when they interviewed a man who had invented a new technology called “Smellovision” that allowed viewers at home to experience aromas generated in the TV studio. To demonstrate, the man chopped some onions and brewed a pot of coffee. British viewers called the station to confirm that they had smelled the aromas that were “transmitted” through their TV sets.